Notorious Tiger Exhibitor Operating Illegally—Again

Despite Permanently Revoked License, Marcus Cook Continues to Violate Federal Law, Says PETA

For Immediate Release:
September 10, 2014

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

PETA is asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) this morning to pursue criminal charges against disgraced Kaufman-based big-cat exhibitor Marcus Cook after learning that he is once again illegally exhibiting animals. Cook’s exhibitor’s license was revoked after the USDA charged him with nearly 100 violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

PETA is also asking the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) to investigate Cook—who transported tigers into South Dakota and at least a half-dozen other states to use in displays—for possible violations of the Captive Wildlife Safety Act, which prohibits interstate transport of big cats by anyone without a USDA license.

“It appears that nothing short of prison will stop Marcus Cook from dragging tigers around the country in blatant defiance of federal authorities,” says PETA Foundation Deputy General Counsel Delcianna Winders. “PETA is calling on the authorities to ensure that he stops illegally subjecting terrified big cats to large crowds, excessive handling, and the constant deprivation of captivity and transit.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—has been lodging complaints about Cook’s abysmal treatment of animals for years.

Among dozens of other incidents, Cook’s long history of AWA violations includes using a cattle prod to stun a tiger, keeping animals in tiny and unventilated enclosures, and denying tigers, cougars, and a bear cub adequate water. In early 2009, the USDA took the rare action of seizing a lion and two tigers who were starving. Four months later, the agency seized three sick white lions, two of whom were underweight and had open sores.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.